Abstract [en]

Abstract

In Oneida Lake, New York, USA, three species of amphipods are present: Hyalella azteca is native, Gammarus fasciatus is invasive and was first observed sometime before 1940 and Echinogammarus ischnus was introduced in 2001 in shallow water. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal abundance of amphipods in Oneida Lake. In the Great Lakes, the invasive E. ischnus has outcompeted G. fasciatus and this was also expected to be occur in Oneida Lake. Quantitative field sampling of transects that extended from the shore to deeper water (3.8 m) at six sites around Oneida Lake showed that the abundance of all amphipod species had a positive correlation to the abundance of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). Echinogammarus ischnus were observed at low densities (mean, 18 no./m2) in shallow water (<0.6 m) areas with cobbles covered with zebra mussels, whereas just a few individuals were found in deep water. At all depths, G. fasciatus were found at high densities (mean 950 no./m2), and H. azteca were present at low densities (mean 77 no./m2). The main factor limiting E. ischnus and its coexistence with G. fasciatus is the lack of favourable habitat i.e. too few cobble areas and too much Cladophora spp. and other macrophyte species growing in the lake. In addition, exposure of shallow water habitats every fall and winter as a consequence of water level manipulations produces unfavorable habitat for E. ischnus.